The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the respondents to submit arguments in social media site X suspension case.
“X” was suspended based on a February 17 notification from the Interior Ministry. The petitioner’s attorney, Advocate Azhar Siddique, countered that the Interior Ministry is not authorised to halt social media operations. Opposition parties have received letters from the court requesting a response by April 18 on the lawsuit.
In the matter pertaining to the suspension of social networking site X in Pakistan, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the respondents to present their reasons.
Journalist Hafiz Shakir Mehmood filed a miscellaneous plea against X’s suspension, which was heard by Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan of the LHC.
The petitioner’s attorney, advocate Azhar Siddique, made arguments on the petitioner’s side during the hearings. The attorney emphasised that X had been suspended for the previous two months and that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was instructed by the Interior Ministry to impose this suspension in line with a notification that was sent out on February 17.
Read more: Pakistan’s Telecom Firms Suffer Rs 1.6 Billion Loss Due To Internet Suspension
According to the attorney, the Interior Ministry did not have the authority to halt social networking platform X’s services.
Following that, the court sent notifications to the respondents and set an April 18 deadline for responses from the opposing parties in the case.
Considering that “X” has been suspended for two months, there may be serious ramifications. The following are some possible outcomes:
- Limitations on Access:
There might be interruptions for users who depended on “X” for information, communication, or pleasure. Their capacity to communicate with others, share content, and keep informed may be impacted by the suspension.
- Freedom of Expression:
Concerns of censorship and freedom of speech are brought up by the suspension. Supporters might contend that limiting social media platforms violates people’s freedoms of speech and participation in public debate.
- Economic Repercussions:
Companies, influencers, and content producers who employed “X” in their branding, advertising, or marketing campaigns can lose money. Their audience engagement and reach are impacted by the suspension.
- Legal Difficulties:
Legal issues may arise from the petitioner’s claim that the Interior Ministry lacks jurisdiction. Courts may need to define who has the power to halt social media service and assess how to strike a balance between privacy rights and security considerations.
- Public Perception:
How the public views government actions may change as a result of the suspension. While some could consider it an infringement on digital rights, others might see it as essential for security.
- Political Effects:
The way the opposition parties react to the court notice may have an impact on the political conversation. They might exploit the case to draw attention to problems with government and civil freedoms.
In the end, the consequences hinge on the court’s decision as well as any new legislative developments or adjustments to the rules governing social media suspensions.